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Waratahs coach says it's war against Reds

Darren Walton

His team is out of finals reckoning, but NSW coach Michael Cheika is nevertheless ordering the Waratahs to treat Saturday night's Super Rugby derby with Queensland like trench warfare.

Apart from being in a position to shatter Queensland's hopes of a home semi-final, the Waratahs are auditioning for Wallabies spots under the Reds' new Test coach Ewen McKenzie and also desperate to sign off from the 2013 competition in style at ANZ Stadium.

"So there's a lot stake for us," Cheika said on Thursday.

"I was saying to the boys that if we can beat the Reds this week, we're going to finish with the same number of wins as them.

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"If you take that compared to where we were last year, that's a good improvement statistically as well."

Cheika believed the scheduling of the interstate derby straight after the conclusion of the Wallabies' showpiece series with the British and Irish Lions had added an extra edge to traditionally the most bitter rivalry in Australian rugby.

"Back in the day, I always remember very well you'd be playing with guys one week and then when you got to play against them the next, the more you wanted to turn it on," he said.

"So friendships you make during that block (together) you're prepared to break for 80 minutes on the field.

"I think that leads to a stronger mentality and that's something I want to teach the lads.

"You don't want them laughing or having a joke before the game. I want them staring each other down for a war.

"Then after the match you can do what you want."

Both sides are understrength, with the Reds without Wallabies skipper James Horwill and vice-captain Will Genia, while the Waratahs have Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Wycliff Palu and Tatafu Polota-Nau all sidelined.

But Cheika said those Wallabies hopefuls who were playing would be mad not to be extra motivated to deliver in front of McKenzie.

"If you go out and do a number on his team, he's only going to think positive of you," Cheika said.

"So it's a great opportunity for guys, without a doubt, to go and show their colours and what they've got and can bring going forward, especially blokes who haven't been in the picture - guys like Dave Dennis, Bernard Foley, Rob Horne and Berrick (Barnes), who didn't play as much (in the Lions series).

"Guys who maybe haven't been in the picture can put themselves out there and say: `Hey, look at me. I'm prepared to put my hand up and do my best to earn selection'."

Barnes, who is heading to Japan for an 18-month sabbatical, winger Tom Kingston (Melbourne Rebels) and second-rower Sitaleki Timani (Montpellier) are all making their farewell appearances for the Waratahs.